I have a map app for my iPod which, once purchased, allows me to download USGS topos to the iPod and view them there. The problem, of course, is the small screen size!

Is there a similar map program that allows a PC used to download and view USGS maps directly, the only cost being the purchase of the program itself?

Note that I am not asking for a plug for the NatGeo program or similar ones where one must purchase each state's maps for $50 or so. I'm looking for a simple program, one time cost (preferably low) which allows direct download of the (free) USGS topos.

Thanks!

Sounds like www.hillmap.com would suit your purposes.

Another member posted about a similar site he was working on to integrate from Esri, Bing, USGS and G-maps data but I can't remember or find the url. Maybe he can re-post that here.

I think a web based solution is much more likely to be usable AND free than freeware.

Edit: the other site, Gmap4, is http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

that thread: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=59084

Edited by ctwnwood on 03/12/2012 10:17:06 MDT.

ExpertGPS.com

USAPhotoMaps at http://jdmcox.com/

Topofusion.com

Garmin Basecamp at http://www.garmin.com/us/products/onthetrail/basecamp

Edited by jshann on 03/12/2012 10:37:19 MDT.

You might want to check out AllTrails.com. It's the online version of TOPO. It's $50 per year, and includes all states. I started a thread on it before. One person said they liked it, but it was missing some obvious trails. They were able to get it for half off. But it does allow you to make and print your own topos. This is not an endorsement, just something I've seen that you may find interesting.

You might try store.usgs.gov, just download the pdf mapsheets you want (for free), manipulate and print using standard pdf software. I worked with a couple of folks locally to put some instructions online for Mountaineer members to avoid the costs and hassles of buying maps for trips, here:
http://www.foothillsmountaineers.org/hiking/docs/USGS_Maps.html

If you mostly just want to print out maps, a simpler process via mytopo.com is here:
http://www.foothillsmountaineers.org/hiking/docs/how_to_print_usgs_maps_for_free.html

There certainly are benefits to having a "software package" that can show elevation profiles, allow you to upload or plot your own routes, that sort of thing, but for many people I think that printing out a map for a trip they're going on is the primary thing needed and desired.

Topofusion looks interesting, and may prove to be useful, but Brian's directions for direct download and printing are helpful indeed! To me the advantage to Topofusion would be in the ability to explore without having to download multiple .pdf files, and then shift from one to the next.

Thanks all - you've given me some great resources to explore!

Garmin Basecamp

You can download all the 24k maps free at Gpsfiledepot. You can pick by state. I used to create a section of SHR and then downloaded to gps. Worked like a charm. I'm no map expert so I'm sure others have better idea.

Brad

The .gov site is perfect for what I like to do. Explore new hikes every trip possible, that is. I hadn't figured this out last time, so thank you also for the guide.
Very useful. I don't do gps, so a printed paper map in a ziplock is my backup navigation plan.